Continued from previous column. Save energy and water Consumers aren’t remodeling just to make their homes greener. Energy and water efficiency are part of the decision making process. Some eight out of 10 people interviewed chose energy efficient appliances, four out of 10 picked water efficient appliances (granted I only talked to 50 people - so!) and three out of 10 chose fluorescent lighting for their kitchens. Water saving toilets (of which I happen to be in that survey) and low-flow shower heads were installed in six out of 10 bath models. Paints with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOS) are gaining traction as well, with almost 17 percent of bathroom remodelers choosing them over traditional, higher VOC products. But you can skip traditional/special kitchen or bathroom paint.